News article

Statement following PCC’s BBC Radio Cornwall interview

Deputy Chief Constable Paul Netherton’s response

The following statement is in response to an interview given today, Monday 12 June, to BBC Radio Cornwall by Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, where it was discussed whether or not registered firearms licence holders could be of assistance to police during a terrorist attack.

DCC Paul Netherton said: “Quite obviously a marauding terrorist is the most challenging of circumstances, the police response requires significant professionalism and training as well as firearms capability.

“During these incidents, highly trained police firearms officers and Special Forces will be deployed to protect our communities.

“We would only use the normal military in response to a national security threat level and they would be deployed to free up police resources from their security duties.

“Under no circumstances would we want members of the public to arm themselves with firearms, not least because officers responding would not know who the offenders were, and quite obviously they would not have the time to ask.

“Our message to the public is a simple one: to run, to hide and to tell.

“Having said that, I accept that British policing will require an uplift in resources in response to the unprecedented threats we are currently facing.

“This includes additional operationally firearms capability as well as an investment in our local policing which does so much to identify and prevent people from committing terrorist acts.

“In light of the recent terrorist attacks and the threats that the UK are facing, we have already reviewed our resources and are working with other agencies to ensure that we have the capability to meet these threats.

“If the public have any information or anything they are concerned about they should call the Police Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.”